Academic Entitlement among Filipino College Students: Exploring the Influence of Narcissism, Locus of Control, and Family Functioning

Academic entitlement (AE) denotes an expectation of academic success without corresponding effort, reflecting an entitlement mentality prevalent among students. This study focuses on assessing AE prevalence among Filipino undergraduate students in the Cavite region and its association with key predictors: narcissism, internal and external locus of control, and family functioning. The researcher collected data online from 500 undergraduate students using established measurement scales like the Narcissistic Personality Inventory-16, Internal-External Locus of Control Short Scale-4, McMaster Family Assessment Device, and Academic Entitlement Scale. The relationships among these variables were examined by employing path analysis via the SMART PLS computer application. The analyses reveal that narcissism and external locus of control significantly contribute to AE, highlighting the influence of inflated self-perceptions and reliance on external factors in shaping entitlement attitudes. Conversely, internal locus of control and family functioning show no significant association with AE in this context. Beyond academia, the findings suggest broader implications for the educational landscape in the Philippines. Unchecked AE poses risks to educational quality and student progress, demanding proactive measures. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need for ongoing exploration of AE within the Philippine context, accompanied by policy recommendations and program interventions to address its impact effectively.